How To Deal With The Problem Of High Blood Pressure In The Us Today

High blood pressure is an extremely serious and growing problem that now affects over 72 million American adults. It almost seems incredible but that means that 1 out of 3 adults in America suffer from hypertension. With close to 60 million Americans now over 55 years of age this also means that Americans have a 9 out of 10 chance of suffering from high blood pressure at some time in life. In addition, if you are an African American then you are far more likely to develop high blood pressure than any other ethnic group and are also likely to experience high blood pressure at an earlier age and to a greater degree.

But that is far from the end of the story because there are now around 20 million Americans suffering from diabetes and an incredible 142 million Americans who are overweight or obese and people in both of these categories are at greater risk of suffering from high blood pressure.

But why should we be so worried about high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is a serious condition that can very easily lead to other life-threatening conditions like heart disease, which is the principle cause of death in America today, and stroke, which is at present the third highest cause of death. In fact high blood pressure is a factor in two thirds of all heart attacks in the United States and in 3 out of 4 strokes.

High blood pressure is also the principle reason for visits to the doctor and even a slight fall in the number of sufferers of about ten percent would save approximately $450 million dollars a year. In total it is estimated that the cost of treating high blood pressure and its associated complications costs the US economy approximately $100 billion each year.

So just what is the solution to this problem?

First and foremost, the solution lies in educating individuals about the problem of high blood pressure and about how to avoid developing it. The vast majority of of those affected nowadays effectively cause the problem themselves as a result of their lifestyle. Bad eating habits, insufficient exercise, excessive drinking and tobacco are all causes of high blood pressure and are all entirely within our own control.

Second, we must get people into the habit of checking their own blood pressure regularly because unfortunately it is a condition with few if any symptoms to warn us of its approach. Today there are several excellent and reasonably inexpensive home blood pressure monitors (including a range of Omron blood pressure monitors which have a world-wide reputation for excellence) that are quick and simple to use and could literally save your life.